Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines, was taken into custody following an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to alleged extrajudicial killings. His political alliance with the Marcos family has fractured, raising questions about his future and the implications for Philippine politics. Upcoming elections will test public support for both families amid these legal and political shifts.
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines known for his controversial anti-drug policies, found himself in custody as he arrived in Manila from Hong Kong, where he was engaging with the Filipino community ahead of the mid-term elections. This significant development follows the enforcement of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings during his presidency.
Upon arrival, Mr. Duterte was met by police and swiftly transported to an air force base within the airport. Reports indicated a chartered jet was prepared to transport him to The Hague for legal proceedings. This shift in fortunes raises questions about how a once-powerful figure, often compared to Donald Trump, could face such legal challenges.
While Mr. Duterte’s family and legal representatives claimed that the arrest lacked legal justification, they also raised concerns about his deteriorating health. During his presidency, he formed a political alliance with the Marcos family, uniting their efforts for mutual political gain; however, that alliance has recently deteriorated.
Duterte and the Marcoses strategized for the 2022 elections, with Bongbong Marcos running for the presidency while Duterte’s daughter, Sara, aimed for the vice-presidency. The alliance succeeded, securing both their victories; however, Duterte anticipated that he would remain shielded from repercussions regarding his controversial presidency.
A critical concern for Mr. Duterte has been the ICC’s investigation into crimes committed during his anti-drug campaigns. Despite withdrawing from the ICC’s jurisdiction in 2019, the court argues it retains a mandate for crimes committed prior. The political alliance between Duterte and Marcos has since faced strain, highlighting the complexities of Philippine politics.
The schism deepened when Sara Duterte’s request for the defense ministry was denied by President Marcos. Efforts to distance his administration from Duterte’s brutal policies, coupled with attempts to establish better international relations, contributed to growing tensions between the two political families.
The situation escalated when an impeachment petition against Sara Duterte was filed by Marcos loyalists, further jeopardizing her political future. Should this lead to her impeachment, it would greatly diminish the political influence of the Duterte family, meanwhile strengthening President Marcos’s position.
As President Marcos maneuvered to diminish the influence of his former ally, he remains aware of the risks that accompany these political gambits. The Dutertes continue to hold significant public support, which could incite resistance against Duterte’s prosecution, particularly as the mid-term elections approach where their political fates will be tested.
President Marcos, addressing the media after Duterte’s departure, emphasized compliance with Interpol and the ICC, though he refrained from disclosing the charge details, which may be contentious among the populace. This unfolding situation not only affects Philippine politics but also reflects ongoing challenges faced by international law institutions like the ICC.
In summary, Rodrigo Duterte’s recent arrest highlights the culmination of political power shifts in the Philippines. The deterioration of his alliance with the Marcos family and ongoing ICC investigations into his administration’s policies have placed him in a precarious position. As President Marcos navigates this tumultuous political landscape, the upcoming elections will be crucial in determining the future influence of both families and how public support evolves amidst these legal challenges. The dynamics of Duterte’s prosecution will have far-reaching implications for Philippine politics and international law.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
